Hepatitis C education and support in Australian prisons: preliminary findings of a nationwide survey.

ISSUE ADDRESSED

Rates of hepatitis C infection are up to 60 times higher in correctional facilities than in the general population, yet prisoners have limited access to many methods of blood-borne virus prevention. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the efficiency of hepatitis C education and support services available in custodial settings, from the perspective of health educators and policy makers.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 health professionals, from all states and territories of Australia, who were involved in the management or provision of hepatitis C education or support to prisoners. Results were interpreted using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participant reports regarding the provision of hepatitis C education and support services varied considerably between prisons and across states. Interviewees identified successful services and barriers to improvement, including limited time, insufficient funding and frequent personnel changes. Many prisons were believed to have unique needs and educators from external agencies were not always aware of the medical procedures or methods of harm reduction available in particular facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Interviewee perceptions indicated that the delivery of hepatitis C education and support services in Australian custodial settings is marred by inconsistency. However, both education programs and psychological support services could be developed by external agencies wishing to reduce the impact of hepatitis C within the prison system.